The finish line is in sight for greyhound racing in Florida.
Voters approved amendment 13, phasing out the sport by the year 2020.
At one of the oldest dog tracks in the nation, Derby Lane, has raced greyhounds since 1925.
“We’ve been coming here for years, now they’re gonna shut it down?” asked one racing fan.
Long-time race fans are upset that 69 percent of voters decided to pull the plug on Florida dog racing at the 11 tracks in the state, including Derby Lane.
“That’s terrible. Terrible. It’s the joy. One part of my life I get to enjoy,” said Barbara Prado.
Proponents of amendment 13 cited injuries to dogs and conditions at some dog tracks,as a reason to get rid of the sport.
“I think it may be part true. I’ve heard of other places closing because they found greyhounds in the garbage,” said Paul Denton.
The amendment needed 60 percent of the voters saying “yes” to pass.
Sponsors obtained that number and more.
Racing fans don’t like it at all.
One fan said he’s been coming to Derby Lane for 40 years.
“I love dogs and I hate to see ’em get hurt, but there’s nothing else to do out here as far as gambling. I’m a gambler,” said the fan.
Derby Lane makes money from it’s card room, where poker players place wagers and simulcast horse racing is shown on monitors. That will stay.
“Whether I win or whether I lose, I enjoy coming,” said Prado.
Nobody from Derby Lane was available to speak to News Channel 8.
